Dunne claims Villa’s ‘young and hungry’ policy has left them short of leaders.

But he admits Lambert has been vindicated with Premier League survival and the defender says there is nothing to be gained by moaning.

“The manager is the manager and whatever he says goes,” said Dunne.

“So there is no point in senior players complaining and saying that you need senior players in the team because it could just be sour grapes.

“But I think there is a place in the team for senior players – it is great having all these young lads coming through but when they need someone to turn around and look to, it helps.

“Brad Guzan was great but Shay Given has all the experience and so has Stephen Warnock. We had players who could have played.

“But it worked out well and the manager has been proven right and next season it will be less bigger-known players at the club and that seems to be the way they are looking to go at.”

Dunne endured a frustrating season with groin trouble but the free agent is determined not to dwell on his injury woes and constant setbacks .

“I have never really missed out for long periods,” he added.

“If someone had said at the start of the season I would be out for nine months then you can get your head around it, but every two months to be let down it is hard and nobody could tell me, but now the biggest thing for me is to look forward.’’